Just as I was about to post this report I had a call inviting me to catch a spur-of-the-moment secret gig in Melbourne for E-Smoove (Chicago) and Tony Wilson (NY/Miami). It was at this tiny club. I had never heard of it before. There would be room for no more than 200. It was really tucked away - in some grimy alley. The night itself was dope. I was able to hear the new Masters At Work record, Latin Lover, with Stephanie Mills. Yeah!
But back to *my hero* Stacey Pullen. Well, I caught up with the Kosmic Messenger Saturday night in Melbourne and it was a spiritual encounter for me! I felt rather down and tired at the start of the night but went home feeling elevated. Stacey has the gift of healing, y'see. Anyway, Stacey's gig was the third in Gasp Entertainment's Innovator series. He played a techno/house set but worked in a lil' jazzy material, Latin, drum 'n' bass and retro-funk. At one stage he played Basement Jaxx's Red Alert. Stacey is a really extrovert, whimsical DJ who likes to get his groove on and even lip synch and do air trumpet (!) along to the odd track. Those who are familiar with him will know what I mean! And talk about the sex/music connection, the way Stacey plays is so charged. You gotta wonder what he's thinking at times! Stacey played for over 5.5 hours as the crowd just wouldn't let him go. After 5 hours they hollered out for him to do more. This happened a couple of times, even though the house lights had come on. It all finished around 9 am. The house was packed, too, which is incredible as this was Grand Final Weekend in Melbourne (Aussie Rules football is *the* national sport here) and there were any number of big gigs on, including Steve Bicknell @ Rotation IV and Tony Wilson/E-Smoove @ Freakazoid (Melbourne's cult house club). I know the latter did really well. I reserve judgment on Bicknell. Rotation was no doubt a good event overall but I personally just don't think Bicknell is all that. Innovator really kicked off with Phunk de Sonique's 1/2 hour live set. These are three Melbourne school friends (now at uni) who have an affinity with the many techno sounds of Detroit. Their stuff sounds like some of the new Transmat recordings. Very good. I'm proud of them. Stacey came on at 3 am and did his unwavering set. Afterwards he signed autographs. Folks were all over the cat. The promoter had set out to create a night in keeping with the Detroit ethos. I *think* he is growing conscious that some folks wonder why is it that in this country many promoters tend to use bang-bang types to open for those Detroit (or Chicago) guys whose music takes an altogether different trajectory. Hence (big-name Melbourne techno DJ) Jeff Tyler span a slightly more experimental set than usual and Phunk de Sonique played ahead of Stacey to establish the right harmonious vibe. The crowd was more mature than the usual ravers. I spotted two glowsticks and no dummies. These are my rather snobbish barometers of 313 appreciability. Keep that shit for Judge Jules. (He-he.) Stacey attended a little meet and greet for industry types around 11. I chatted to him. It was kinda funny. While were talking this bewildered girl comes up and says, "Excuse me, are you Stacey Pullen?" And he points to me and says, "No, she is." Like, I wish I could do what he does. I asked Stacey about Kid Rock's claim to be The Wizard's rapper, as I remembered Stacey used to tape those shows growing up, and he expressed surprise. He doesn't remember no rappin'. So growing evidence would suggest that Kid has it coming to him for frontin'. I mentioned the Telex remix as one of many things of his I loved. Stacey said he thought that this was his best mix but added that he was also proud of his Jean Michel Jarre one from four years ago that never saw release. Stacey says we ain't heard nothing from him yet as his new material will take it to the next level. The promoter has heard some and assures me it's awesome. Afterwards I couldn't help but notice Stacey's carefully applied black nail polish. The nail polish looked flyer than fly on these small, elegant hands. I know it is a small, seemingly trivial detail but these things say a lot about the way folks express themselves (I mean what other guy would wear nail polish?). The fact is he's very into his individualism, is Stacey. The day before (er, that's Friday) Stacey did Club Lunch, a live mix show by DJs, on Melbourne's community station Kiss FM. He did it from the city's Sanity store (oh yes, Sanity! :) ). I missed Stacey's slot and want it real bad on tape. (If anyone in Melbourne can help, please e-mail me so I can offer bribes.) Peace C
